2015: A FighterSweep Year In Review

2015: A FighterSweep Year In Review

FighterSweep Fans, it’s New Year’s Eve, and time for us to bring our first full calendar year to a close. It’s been an awesome ride thus far, and we’re certainly very grateful to have you along as our wingmen. Our Instagram account has been one of our largest success: with less than a year in existence, […]

2015: A FighterSweep Year In Review

2015: A FighterSweep Year In Review

FighterSweep Fans, it’s New Year’s Eve, and time for us to bring our first full calendar year to a close. It’s been an awesome ride thus far, and we’re certainly very grateful to have you along as our wingmen. Our Instagram account has been one of our largest success: with less than a year in existence, […]

Acquiring a Pistol in Kurdistan: No Easy Task

Acquiring a Pistol in Kurdistan: No Easy Task

A pistol is more of a status symbol than a matter of practicality to the Kurds. That’s not to say they don’t serve a purpose, just not the way they do in the West.

Ramadi: A Template for Iraqi Success?

Ramadi: A Template for Iraqi Success?

Whether the result in Ramadi is a measurable success or a template for future Iraqi operations, the next step will undoubtedly necessitate a greater commitment from the U.S.

Facing Down Gaddafi’s SAMs Over Libya!

Facing Down Gaddafi’s SAMs Over Libya!

Just a few short days ago, we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the very first Wild Weasel SAM kill in North Vietnam, which demonstrated the need and effectiveness of the specialized community of aviators. In recent times, a fantastic example are Operations Odyssey Dawn and Unified Protector, where a U.S.-led coalition faced down Muammar Gaddafi’s SAMs over […]

Facing Down Gaddafi’s SAMs Over Libya!

Facing Down Gaddafi’s SAMs Over Libya!

Just a few short days ago, we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the very first Wild Weasel SAM kill in North Vietnam, which demonstrated the need and effectiveness of the specialized community of aviators. In recent times, a fantastic example are Operations Odyssey Dawn and Unified Protector, where a U.S.-led coalition faced down Muammar Gaddafi’s SAMs over […]

The Thunderbirds: A Day In The Life! (Part Two)

The Thunderbirds: A Day In The Life! (Part Two)

By the last week of February, the Thunderbirds are putting the final touches on the complete demonstration. The Commander of Air Combat Command (COMACC) observes a private approval demonstration, with a keen eye toward safety and execution. Once he signs off, we are ready to hit the road and transition to our show season! Life on the […]

The Thunderbirds: A Day In The Life! (Part Two)

The Thunderbirds: A Day In The Life! (Part Two)

By the last week of February, the Thunderbirds are putting the final touches on the complete demonstration. The Commander of Air Combat Command (COMACC) observes a private approval demonstration, with a keen eye toward safety and execution. Once he signs off, we are ready to hit the road and transition to our show season! Life on the […]

The Thunderbirds: A Day In The Life! (Part One)

The Thunderbirds: A Day In The Life! (Part One)

On a nice spring morning, and most likely at a nearby military installation, the gates will open for an airshow. At show center are six red, white, and blue F-16Cs which belong to the United States Air Force’s Aerial Demonstration Squadron–the Thunderbirds. At a given point in the day’s schedule, the pilots and crew chiefs will perform an […]